The parfait mareschal, or Compleat farrier. Which teacheth, I. To know the shapes and goodness, as well as faults and imperfections of horses. II. The signs and causes of their diseases, the means to prevent them, their cure, and the good or bad use of purging and bleeding. III. The way to order and preserve them, when upon travel, to feed, and to dress them. IV. The art of shoeing, according to a new design of shoes, which will recover bad feet, and preserve the good. Together with a treatise, how to raise and bring up a true and beautiful race of horses: as also instructions, whereby to fit all kinds of horses with proper bits, whereof the chief draughts are represented in copper-plates. / Written originally in French by the Sieur de Solleysel Escuyer, sometime one of the overseers of the French Kings Royal Academy of Riding, near to the Hostel de Conde in Paris. And translated from the last Paris impression, by Sir William Hope of Kirkliston Kt. Lieutenat Governour of the Castle of Edinburgh. By whom is also added as a supplement to the first part, a most compendious and excellent collection of horsemanship, taken from the best and most modern writers upon that subject, such as Mr. De la Brow, Pluvinel, and the Great Duke of Newcastle. Part I.

FIRST. The Modern way of preparing a Horse for a Course or Match.

SEing Racing or Horse Matching is so highly esteemed by the Gentry of these Islands, and that a good horse for that purpose is much lookt upon and coveted, by those who delight in this short and fickle, although it must be confessed (during its continuance) very pleasing Divertisement, I shall in this Chapter endeavour to give you some insight in it, and first, in chusing a horse for Running, see that he be tractable and no wayes Resty or Skittish, but familiar with his Keeper, and sprightfull in his Looks and Actions, let him have also an indifferent large reach, and a great share of beels if possible, For take my word for it, that is a chief ingredient in a Running horse, Wind and Length being with a great dale of more ease increased by Art, then heels and swiftness, also let him (if possible) be altogether well shaped, that is, well set in the Shoulders, well turned in the Buttock and Gascoyns, and well Coupled in the short Ribs, his Leggs right planted, and to be sure let him have good feet, for these are both the foundation, and Wings of this Flying Machine upon earth; his head small and slender, with lean and firm Cheek bones, a sharp or Hauk nose, wide nostirls, and a large Throple, his Age not beneath six, no horse under that Age having sufficient strength and vigour, either to furnish a four mile course or heats, without Running the hazard of being over strained, all their Bones and Joints being only a kind of firm Gristle, neither is this all, for the main point of bringing him into a condition to run successfully, is yet to be spoak to, which consists in Dyeting, and carefully ordering him before the day appointed for the Match, and therefore I shall first discourse of the Limitation of time, to be allowed for preparing a Running horse for any ordinary Plate or Match, that is not for too extraordinary a summ, because all Judicious Horsemen must acknowledge this for a truth, that the longer a horse be in good Keeping, providing no accident intervene, the better heat he will make when strained, because Custom and Practice without excess, do convert any exercise a most into a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nature.

1st. Of the time allowed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepare any Horse for a Match.

THerefore as for the Limitation of time for a Plate or small sum of money, I allow but of two Moneths at any time of the year what soever, for an old horse, or a horse formerly traintd, for I speak not here of Colts, and I am perswaded that if a horse make not a good heat in two Moneths, he will not make it in fifteen.

Yet many do affirm, that a horse newly taken from the Grass, and soul, cannot be prepared under six Moneths, by which they Rob their Masters of four Moneths pleasure, engadge him in an expensive charge, which will make the sport become loathsome and uneasie to him, and can get nothing to defend and cloak what they say withal, but their ignorance, and perhaps a few false got Crowns which evanish so soon as gained, yet as Hereticks cite Scripture, so these people find Reasons to defend their want of skill and Ex∣perience, as the danger of too violent Exercise, the offence of Grease too suddenly melt∣ed, the moving of humors too hastily, which leads to mortal sickness, and the mode∣rating and helping of all these by a slow proceeding, or bringing the horse into order by degrees and time, or as I may rather say by an ignorant delay and sufferance.

Now all these Reasons if but superficially viewed, seem to have somewhat of Foret in them, for too early Exercise is dangerous, but not if given moderatly, and free from violence; to break or melt Grease too suddenly, is an offence insufferable, for it putteth both Limbs and Life in hazard, but not if it be purged away with wholsome Scourings; The hasty stirring up of Humors in the Body where they superabound, and are generally dispersed and not settled, cannot choise but breed sickness, but not where Discretion and Judgement expel and evacuat them, with wholsome and moderate Airings; And as for moderating of all these by the length and tediousness of time, as two Moneths for the first and two Moneths for the second, and as much for the last, it is like the ouring of a Gangaren in an Old Man, Better to die then be dismembrrd, better loose the Prize or Beats then bear the Charges, for I appail to any Noble Judgement whose Purse hath ex∣perienced such Actions, if six Moneths Preparation with the Dependants to it, doth not eat up and devour the better half of a twenty five or thirty pound Wager, therefore for any ordinary Match or Beat, I allow as I said but of two Months to prepare a Horse for it, it be∣ing most certain, that a Horse who cannot make a good heat in that time, will very

rarely make an Extraordinary one, though you should Dyet him triple or quadruple that space.

2ly. Of Scourings and their use

BUt Reply they, No Scourings are to be allowed, because they are Physical, force Nature, and so are prejudicial to her, by occasioning sickness, and emparing health, and therefore nothing is comparable to the length of time, because Nature worketh every thing of her self, and although she do it but slowly, yet she doth it with so much the less danger.

I indeed confess that scourings given immoderately, and which are stuft with unwhol∣some and poysonous ingredients, cannot choose but bring on infirmity and sickness, but wholsome scourings, which are composed of Beneficial and Nourishing Simples, neither occasion sickness, nor any manner of infirmity, but bring away Grease and all foulness so abundantly, and in so kindly a manner, that by the moderate use of them you shall effect more in one Week, then in two moneths by a Dilatory and Doubtful forbear∣ance of them; I call it Dilatory and Doubtful, because no Man in this lingering course, can certainly tell which way the Grease and foulness will be voided or expelled, as whi∣ther in his dung which is the safest, or by sweat which is hazardous, or by his Limbs which is very dangerous; Or lastly, if it will remain and putrefie in his body, which proveth oft times mortal, since the Issue of any or all these fall out, according to the strength and condition a Horses body is brought to, by the care and diligence of his Keeper, for if either the one fail in Power, or the other in Care and Diligence, Farewell Horse for that Match.

Now all this the greatest Envy cannot chuse but confess, only they have one broken Crutch to support them, and that is, they know no scouring, and therefore will allow of none, indeed against Obstinacy I am resolved not to Dispute, only shall appeal to Art and Discretion; whither Moderate and Beneficial Purgations, or painfull sufferance when Nature is offended, be the better Doers, but still they will maintain their Argu∣gument, and urge, That whatsoever is given to a Horse more then his Natural food, and which he will Naturally and willingly receive, is both improper and unwholsome.

To this I answer, That the Natural Food of Man is Bread only, all other things ac∣cording to the Philosopher being superfluous, and therefore to be avoided; But we find by Experience and the general practice of Mankind, that both Humanity and Divinity laugh at this Argument, because other helps, as Physick, variety of Meats, and diverse other Means appointed by Divine Providence it self, tell the Contemners hereof how grosly they Err, in this foolish Opinion, nay allow them a little shadow of Truth, that things most Natural are most Beneficial, then it must follow that grass, or hay which is but withered grass, are most Beneficial because most Natural, now grass is Physical, for in it is contained all manner of Simples of what Quality soever, as Hot, Cold, Moist, Dry, so that whatsoever is given in his scourings which is good, is but what he hath ga∣thered Naturally when at Soil, only with this difference, that what he gathered was mixt in a confused manner, contraries being so clap together, that it is not possible to judge where the predominant Quality lyeth; but that which we compound is so orde∣red by Art and Reason, that we know how it should work, and accordingly expect the Event, if it be not crost by some extraordinary Disaster.

I would therefore gladly ask these Gentlemen, If they will undertake to prepare their Run∣ning Horse with only Grass or Hay? But they know in this case, that the end of their La∣bour would be loss, and therefore they are satisfied to allow of Corn, nay diverse kinds of Corns, some Loosening as Rye, some Binding and Astringent as Beans, and others Faten∣ing and increasing both blood and Spirits, as Wheat; Nay they will allow Bread, yea Bread of diverse compositions and mixtures, as one kind before heats, another after, some Quick of Digestion, and others Slow; And if this method of Dyeting be not almost as Physical, as the gentle scourings which are given by a good and understanding Horseman; I confess that all I have said in Vindication of Beneficial and rightly appropriate scourings, is of no force at all: Nay these Contemners of scourings will yet allow of an Egg, and that mixt with other ingredients, and for Butter and Garlick they will use it, though it be never so fulsom; the reason is, because their knowledge in Physick can arise to no higher pitch, and so Authorized Ignorance will impudently ever wage War with the best Understanding.

There are yet another sort of Feeders, who in a contrary extream run beyond these into mischiefs, and these are they who over scoure their Horses, and are never at peace and ease; but when they are giving of potions (which they call scourings) sometimes with∣out

Cause, and alwayes without Judgement and Method, which bring upon a Horse such untollerable weakness, that he is not able to perform any violent Exercise; Now from this too little and too much, I would have you to gather a mean for scourings which is founded upon Reason, and that is, First, that the Simples be wholsome and propper, nixt that you be sure there is foulness; And lastly, that the state of the body be such, that you may by your scourings rightly Administrate, rather Augment then decress Vi∣gour, and thus shall your undertakings be prosperous, and your method of Preparation without controlement: To conclude, I allow two moneths for this preparation, and ac∣cording to that time shall lay down my Directions as followeth.

3ly. Some Considerations concerning the different States of Body, wherein a Horse shall be found when Matcht.

ALbeit the Office of a Feeder belongeth generally to all Horsemen, yet it is in a more particular and Critical sense appropriate only to the Keepers of Running Horses, be∣cause as other horses have a general way of being fed, so the dyeting of these is Ar∣tificial, and full of Curiosity and circumspection, in which whosoever erreth, shall soon∣er bring his horse to destruction then any kind of perfection; To prevent which you are therefore to have regard to three estates of Body, in any horse who is Matcht,

The first is, If he be very fat, foul, or taken from either Grass or Soil.

The second, if he be extream lean and poor, either through over Riding, bad Keeping, or other infirmity.

The third and last is, if he be in a good and likely state of Body, neither too fat nor too lean, but hath been well kept and moderatly exercised.

Now if he be in the first state of Body, you shall take longer time to prepare him, as two Months at the least, and therefore must order your Match accordingly, for he will take much Labour and Airing, great carefulness in heating, and discretion in Scouring, as also rather a strick then Liberal hand in Feeding.

If he be in the second state of Body, (which is poor and lean) then take yet a longer time, and let his Airings be Moderat, as not before or after Sun, but rather to encrease Appetite then harden flesh, and also have a bountiful and Liberal hand in feeding of him, but still not so as to cloy him.

In fine, If he be in the third state of Body, which is a mean between the other two extreames, then a Month or six weeks, and sometimes less if the Match be inconsiderable, may be a sufficient Allowance of time to prepare him for it, now as this third estate par∣ticipats of both the former, so it must borrow from them a share in all their Orderings, that is to be neither too early nor too late in Airing and exercising, to give him pretty sharp but not straining heats, with beneficial and nourishing Seourings, as also to be con∣stant in a Moderat way of Feeding.

Again as you have considered the General State of your horses body, so you must al¦so have an eye to some other particular constitutions of Body which may perhaps more nearly concern him, as if he be fat and foul, yet of a free and wasting Nature, apt quick¦ly to consume and loss his flesh, in that case you must not have too strick a hand, neither can he endure so violent exercise, as if he were of an hardy dsposition, and will feed and be fat upon all meats and exercises, but if he be in extream Poverty through disor∣der and Mismannagement, and yet by Nature very hardy, and apt both soon to recover his Flesh and keep it well, then by no means you should have so liberal a hand to him, nor for bear that exercise, as if he were of a tender constitution, weak Stomack, and free spi∣rit, provided alwayes you have regard to his Limbs, and the Imperfections of Lameness; now these few things being premised, I shall next begin with the Method of ordering him for the first fortnight of the two Months, which I have generally alloted as a competent time to prepare for a Match, except that the Beat be either somewhat extraordinary, or the Horse in a very weak and bad state of Body, in which case a longer time is to be de∣manded, according as your own Judgement shall direct you.

4ly, The first fortnights Feeding of a Horse for a March, who is fat, foul, or nowly takin from Grass or Soil.

IF you Match a horse that is sat and foul, either by Running at Grass, standing at Soil, or any other m••ans of Rest, as too high feeding or the like, you shall (after his Bo∣dy is emptied and the Grass voided, which will be within three or four dayes at most) for the first Fortnight at least, rise early in the Morning before day, or at the Spring of day, according to the Season of the year, and having put on his Bridle being first washt in a little Ale or Beat and tyed him up to the Rack, take away his Dung and other foulness of the Stable about him, then dress him as you have been alreadie taught in the fi••tieth Chapter of this first part of the Parfait Mareschal; When that work is finished, take a fair large Body cloath of thick House-wiffes Kersie or Scots Tartain, (if it be in Winter) or of Cotton or other light stuff, (it in Summer) and fold it round his Body, then clap on the Wate∣ring Saddle, and girt the formest Girth pretty strait, but the other some what slack, and wisp him on each side his heart, with pretty soft Wisps between the two Girths that both of them may be of equal straitness, then put before his Breast, a Breast Cloath suitable to the Body cloath, and let it be so long as to cover both his Shoulders, then taking a little Ale or Bear in your Mouth, squitt it into the Herses, and so lead him out of the Stable and take his Back, leaving a Boy behind you to trim up the Stable, by carrying out the Dung, and trussing up the Litter, for you are to know that your Horse must al∣wayes stand upon good store of dry Litter both Night and Day, and it must be either VVheat straw or Oat straw, for Barly straw and Ry••straw are unwholsome and dangerous, the first breeding heart burning, and the last causing Scouring.

When you are Mounted, Walk or Rack him only a foot pace, (for you must neither Amble nor Trot, because they are both prejudicial to Speed or Swiftness) at least a Mile or two, or more if you think fit, upon smooth and equal Ground, and if it have a Gentle Rising so much the better, there Gallop him Gently, afterwards Walk him softly, that so he may cool as much one way as he warmeth another, and when you have thus exercised him a pretty Space, and seeing the Sun begin to rise, or else newly risen. Rack him down to some fresh River, or clear Pound, and there let him drink at his Pleasure, after he hath drunk bring him gently out of the Water, and Rack him away very easily, and not according to the ignorance of some Grooms, who rush their Horse presently as he cometh out of the Water into a Gallop, for that bringeth commonly along with it two mischiefs, either it teaches the horse to run away with you so soon as he is watered, or it maketh him refuse to drink, fearing the violence of his exercise which is to follow, when you have thus walked him a little calmly, put him into a Gallop gently, & exercise him moderatly as you did before, then Walk him a little space, after which offer him more Water, if he drink, then Gallop him again gently; if not, then Gallop him a little more to occasion thirst, and in this manner give him alwayes exercise before and after water, when you judge he hath drunk sufficiently, bring him home gently without a wet hair, or the least sweat upon him, and when you are come to the Stable d••o••, pro∣voke him to piss if you can, by stirring up some of the Litter which is at the Stable door, under him, if he do not stale at first no matter, for a little custom will bring him to it, and it is wholsome both for his health, and the sweet keeping of the Stable.

This done bring him to the Stable, and tye him up to the Rack, then rub him well with Wisps, afterwards loose his Breast cloath, and rub his head and Neck with a dry cloath, then take off his Saddle, and hanging it up with his Body cloath, rub him all o∣ver, especially that part of his Back where the Saddle was placed, then cloath him up, first with a Linnen Sheet, and then over that a good strong Housing Cloath, and above it his VVooling Body cloath, which in Winter it is not a miss to have lyned with Cotton, but in Sum∣mer a single one is sufficient, when these are all on, girt on his Surcingle, and stop it with small and soft wisps, which will make him so much the easier.

After he is thus cloathed, stop his feet with Cow dung, or his own Dung being a very little moistned with fresh Water, then throw into the Rack a little bundle of Hay well dus∣ted and wrapt hard together, and let him eat it standing upon his Bridle, when he hath stood an hour or so upon his Bridle, take it off, and rub his Head and Neck very well with a Hemp or Hair cloath, for this is good to dissolve all gross and thick humors which may be in his Head, then after you have made clean the Manger, take an English Quart or Scots Chopin, of sweet, dry, old, and clean drest Oats, for those which are unsweet breed, in∣firmities, those that are moist cause swelling in the Body, those that are new breed Worms, and those which are but half drest deceive the Stomack, and so bring the Horse to ruine; as for Black Oats although they are tollerable, yet they make foul Dung, and hinder a man from knowing so exactly the state of his Horses Body as he ought; now this Proportion of

Oats you shall clean and dress in such a Sieve, as shall keep the good and full, and let a Light Grain or Oat pass thorow it, and if he eat them with a good Appetite, let him have again the same Quantity, and so let him rest till Eleven a clock with the windows closs, for the darker you keep him the better, because it will make him ly down and take his rest, which otherwise he would not so readily, therefore you are to arm your stable with Canvass, both for Darkness, Warmth, and that no filth may come near him, ele∣ven aclock being come, rub his head and neck as before, and dress him another English quart, or Scots Chopin of Oats, then leave him the Stable being made dark, till one a clock in the Afternoon, at one a clock use him just as you did before, with Rubbing, Feeding, taking away his Dung, and then leave him dark till watering time; but only at one a clock give him another small and hard bundle of Hay, to chaw upon till VVate∣ring time.

Watering time being come, go to the Stable; and having made all things clean, Bridle, take off his Cloaths, and dress him as in the Morning, then cloath, Saddle, lead him forth and urge him to empty; afterwards take his Back, and Rack him abroad, but not to Rising Ground as in the Morning, if you can have the conveniency of any which is plain, and there Air him in all points as you did in the Morning, when you have watered him, and spent the Evening in Airing until it be near Night, (for nothing is more wholsome and consumeth foulness more, then Airly and Late Airings) Rack him home to the Stable door, and there alight, and do as you did in the Morning both without doors and within, and so let him rest till nine at Night.

At nine come to him, and rub down his Leggs well with Wisps, and his Head and Neck with a clean cloath, and turning up his Cloaths, rub all his hinder parts, then give him an English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats in the same manner as you did before, and after that a little hard bundle of Hay, then toss up his Litter and make his Bed soft, leaving him so till next Morning.

The next Morning, do every thing to him without the least Omission, as hath been formerly declared, and thus keep him for the first Fortnight, which will so take away his Foulness, and harden his Flesh, that the nixt Fortnight you may adventure to give him some Heats, but before I proceed to the second Fortnights feeding, I shall answer an Objec∣tion which may be urged, touching the quantity of Provender which I prescrive, being but one English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, at a Meal, seeing there are many Horses who will eat a larger Proportion and Quantity, so that to scant them to this little were to starve, or at the best to breed VVeakness: To this I answer, that I set not down this Pro∣portion of Provender as an infallible Rule, but as a President which may be imitated or augmented at pleasure, for I have given you this Caveat, that if he eat this Quantity with a good Stomack, you may give him another, still leaving the due and just Proportion to your own discretion and Judgement.

5ly. The second Fortnights Feeding.

IN this Fortnight you shall do all things as in the first, only whereas in the first Fort∣night, you give him no Oats before his Morning exercise, In this second Fortnight, you shall before you put on his Bridle in the Morning, give him an English quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, then Bridle him up and dress him as before ordered, afterwards Cloath, Saddle, Air, Water, Exercise, and bring him home as before shewed, only you shall now put no Hay into his Rack, but give it him out of your hand, handfull after handfull, and so leave him on his Bridle for an hour, when you come to him again, Rub him, and after other Ceremonies sift him another English quart or Scots Chopin of Oats, and set them by, then take a Loaf of Bread that is three dayes old at least, and made after this man∣ner.

6ly, The first Bread.

TAke three parts of Clean Beans, and one part of VVheat, according to the Quantity of Bread you intend to back, mix and grind them together, when grinded, Bolt it pretty fine, and kned it up with good store of fresh Barm and Lightning, but with as little Water as may be, labour it very well in a Trough, and break it, then cover it up warm that it may swell, and after wards back it in the form of big Loaves thorowly, and let them soak soundly, and when they are drow'n from the oven, turn up their bottoms that so they may cool; when they three dayes old let your horse eat of them, but not sooner for new Bread is hurtfull, when you give it him Chip it very well, and Crumbling it pretty small, mix it with his

Oats you formerly sifted and set by, (the Proportion of Bread is left to your own discre∣tion, and then leave him till eleven a cloak, about eleven a cloak give him the same Quantity of Oats and Bread, and let him rest till the Afternoon, at one a clock in the afternoon if you intend not to give him a heat the next day, feed him with Bread and Oats as in the Forenoon, and so every Meal following, for that day.

But if you intend the next day to give him a Heat, at which now I aim, then you shall only give him an English quart, or Scots Chopin of Oats clean sifted, but no Hay, and so let him rest till evening, at four a cloak give him the like quantity of clean sifted Oats, and after they are eaten, Bridle him up, Dress, Cloath, Sadle, Air, Water, Exercise, bring nome, and order him as before shewed, only give him neither Hay nor Bread amongst his Oats for that night; after he hath stood about an hour upon his Bridle, give him a∣nother measure of Oats, and after they are eaten put a sweet and clean Muzzle upon him, and thus let him rest till nine at Night: Nine a clook being come, give him another English Quart, or Scots Chopin of clean Oats, and when he hath eat them, put on his Muzzle again, toss up his Litter, and so leave him till next Morning.

7ly, Of the use of Muzzles and how they are made.

THe use of the Muzzle being rightly made, is to keep a horse from eating up his Litter from gnawing upon Boards, and Mud••walls, and indeed to keep him from eating any thing, but what he receiveth from your own hands, they are made sometimes of Leather, and stampt full of holes, but these are unsavory and unwholsome, all Leather Muzzles whatsoever being indeed unpleasant; besides they are too closs and hot for the Horse, there are also Muzzles made of double Canvass with a round bottom, and two long Square Latices Of small Tape, one before each Nostirl, which Latices reach down to the very bottom, and go also upwards more then a hand breadth; but the best Muzzles of all both for Winter and Summer, are the net Muzzles made of strong Pack threed, and knit very thick and closs in the bottom, and then enlarged wider and wider upwards to the middle of the Horses head, at which place they are bound about with a Tape, and have also a Loop and string, whereby they are fastned to the Horses head, this much of the Muzzle and it use.

Your horse having stood all night in his Muzzle, give him early the next Morning, an English Quart or Scots Chopin of Oats rubed between your hands with some Bear or Ale, and when he hath eaten them, then dress and Sadle him as formerly, and being ready to lead him out, give him a new laid Egg or two, washing his Mouth after it with a little Bear or Ale, and so lead him out not forgetting also to provoke him to empty at the door, then Mount and Rack him gently to the Course or Ground where you are to Heat, making him by the way smell at any other horse dung you shall meet with.

When you are come within a little way of the Starting place, dismount and take off his Body cloath and Breast cloath, and girt on the Sadle again, leaving your Groom to take care of his Cloaths, until you shall come to him again, all this being done, Rack your Horse gently up to the Starting post if there be any, making him smell at it, that so he may both be acquainted with it, and also know the beginning and ending of the Course, there start him roundly and sharply, and give him his heat according to the following Directions.

8ly. Some few things to be observed in giving of Heats.

IN giving of Heats you are to consider first, that two in the Week are sufficient for a∣ny Horse of whatsoever Condition or State of Body.

Secondly, That one of themshould alwayes be given upon that day of the Week in which your horse is to run his Match, and that also still to be the sharpest for increasing of his Heels or Swiftness, the other being only a slow Galloping over the Course, more to encrease Wind and cause Sweat, then to improve his Speed, and therefore I would have you to order them thus; Suppose your Match day is to be upon a Monday, then your Heating dayes must be Mondays and Frydays, and the sharper Heat to be upon the Monday, be∣cause it is the day of his Match, if the day be Tuesday, then your Heating days are Tuesdays and Saturdays, if Wednesday then Wednesdays and Saturdays, by Reason of the LORD's Day; if Thursday then Thursdays and M••ndays, and so of the rest, still observing to Run him more smartly upon these Heating days of the Week, in which the Match is appointed to be run, then any of the other, and that for the Reasons I have already given you.

Thirdly, You shall give no Heat (but in case of necessity) in rain or foul weather, but rather defer hours, and change dayes, for it is unwholsome and dangerous; And therefore in case of sudden shoure and uncertain weather, you shall have for your Horse a Hood

loynd quite thorow, to keep out the Rain: For nothing is more dangerous then cold wet falling into the ears, and upon the nap of the neck, and Fillets.

Fourthly, Observe to give your Heats (the weather being seasonable) as Early in the morning as you can; That is, by the spring of day, but by no means in the dark, for it is to the Horse both unwholsome and unpleasant, to the rider a great testimony of folly, and to both an act of danger and Precipitation.

Fifthly and lastly, When you begin your heat, start your Horse roundly and sharply, at near a three quarters speed, and if it be upon the day of the Week which his match is to fall in, then according to his strength, goodness of wind, and chearfulness of Spirit, run him the whole course thorow, and by no means do any thing in extremity, or a∣bove his wind, but when you find him a little yeeld, then draw a little and give him ease, that he may do all with pleasure and not with anguish, for this manner of training will make him take delight in his labour, and so the better endure it, but the contrary would bread uneasiness, and make his exercise become a toil, but if his heating day be u∣pon any other day of the week, then that his Match is to be run upon, then make him only go over the course at a slow and gentle Gallop, only to increase his wind, and cause sweat, that so the scouring you are to give him after his heat, may have some loose grease to work upon and bring away, for this is the only designe of the second heat in each week, otherwise were both the heats smart, the Horse would not be able to hold our, there being so short an intermission between them, for him to rest and recover his vigour, therefore you would do well not to mistake, and in stead of two Heats in a week which I order, the one to be smart and the other gentle, you give not both with the same degree of swiftness, For that is not at all my meaning, and therefore I desire you would take notice to it; also during the time you course him, you shall observe upon what ground he runneth best, as whither up hill or down hill, upon smooth ground or tough, upon wet or dry, or upon a Level, or some what rising ground, and according as you find his Nature, so Mannage him for your own advantage, and these are the most considerable things to be observed in giving of a Heat.

When you have finished your Heat and gently Gallopt him up and down, to rate his wind and chear his spirits, you shall then (the Groom being ready) Ride into some warm place or corner, and with your Glassing or scraping knife, made either of some broken sword blade, or for want of that a thin piece of old hard Oaken wood, fashioned like a long bread knife, with a sharp edge, the shape whereof you may see in the first Plate of this book, Scrape off the sweat from your horse in every part (Buttocks except∣ed) untill you can make no more arise, still moving him now and then a little to keep his limbs in motion, least they become stiff, then with dry cloaths rub him all over, af∣terwards take off his Sadle, and having with the glassing knife also seraped his back, and rubbed it near dry, put on his Body cloath and Breast cloath, and set on the Sadle again and girt it, then mount and Gallop him gently, now and then rubbing and wiping his head, Neck, and body, as you sit upon his back: Last of all, walk him about the Fields to cool him, and when you find him begin to dry apace, then Rack him homewards, sometimes Stepping and sometimes Galloping, But by no means bring him to the Stable till you find him throughly dry; when you are come to the stable door, intice him to empty, then set him up, and ty him to the Rack, and (having either prepared it your self before, or at least one for you against your coming) give him one of these scourings follow∣ing, which you please; The way to compose and make them being thus;

9ly. Two excellent Scourings for Running Horses, any one of which may be very safely given after a Heat, to bring away molten Grease, or any other foulness which may be lurking in the Horses Body.

FOR the first, take an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of the Syrup of Roses, or for want of it the like quantity of strong Honyed Water, and desolve into it, of Cassia, Aga∣rick, and Myrrhe, of each an Ounce, shaking them well together in a Glass, then be∣ing mul'd and made warm upon a gentle fire, and the Horse newly come from his He•••• (as before shewed) give it him luke warm.

For the second, take an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of Canary, Mallaga, or Cherrit, and Pulverizing an ounce of the finest Rosin, put it therein, which being Incorporated, add to them six ounces of Olive Oyl, and an ounce and an half or two ounces of brown Sugar∣eandie beaten to powder, with an ounce of the juce of Savin, or pouder of Rubarb, mix

all well together, and warming it over a gentle fire, give it the Horse Milk or Luke warm.

10ly. How to order him after his Scouring.

WHen you have given it him, rub his Leggs well, then take off his Sadle, and if his body be dry, run slightly over it with your Currie Comb, after that with the French Brush, and lastly rub him all over very well with a dry cloath, and cloath him up warm, throwing also over him if the weather be very cold a loose Blan∣ket or Covering, let him fast full two hours upon his Bridle after having taken the scouring, and during that time go not out of the stable, but keep him stirring now and then, which will cause his Scouring to work the better.

After he hath fasted upon the Bridle two hours, then take a handful of wheat ears, and coming to him handle and feel the roots of his ears, and under his cloaths nixt to his heart, and upon his Flanks, and if you find any new sweat arise, or coldness, or that his Flank beat or breast move fast, then forbear to give him any thing, for it is a sign that there is much foulness stirred up, on which the scouring is working with a conquering quality, therefore it is that the Horse is brought to a little sickness, so that in this case you shall only take off his Bridle, put on his Coller, toss up his Litter, and ab∣sent your self, (having made the Stable dark and quiet) for other two hours, which is commonly the longest that that sickness will continue, but if you find him have no such indisposition, then give him the ears of Wheat by three or four together, and if he eat one handful give him another, and so untill he eat three or four handfuls, but no more, then drawing his Bridle and rubbing his head well, give him a little Knab of Hay well Dusted; about an Hour after give him an English Quart or Scots Chopin of clean Oats, putting two or three handfuls of split Beans, very well pickt amongst them, and break also amongst these two or three shaves of Bread clean chipt, and then leave him for two or three Hours.

At Evening before you dress him, give him the like quantity of Oats, Beans, and Bread, and when he hath eaten them, Bridle, dress and cloath him, but you shall nei∣ther Sadle nor Air him abroad this evening, because the Horse being foul, and the Scouring as yet working in his Body after the Heat, he must not get any cold water at all, after he is drest and hath stood two Hours on his Bridle, then wash three English Pints or three Scots mutchkins of clean Oats in Bear or Ale, and give him them, for this will in∣wardly cool him as if he had drunk Water, and you are sure he can receive no preju∣dice by it, after he hath eaten his washt meat, and rested after it a little, you shall at his feading times with Oats and spelt Beans, Oats and Bread, or all together, or simply one of them according to the liking of the Horse, Feed him that night in plantiful manner; and leave a Knab of Hay in his Rack when you go to Bed.

The next day early, first Feed, then dress, cloath, Sadle, Air, Water, and bring him home as at other times, only have a more careful eye to his Emptying, and observe how his Grease and Foulness wasteth, at his Feeding times feed as was last shewed you, only but little Hay, and keep your Heating dayes, and the preparation of the day before them, as hath been alreadie ordered, and thus you shall order him during the second Fortnight, in which your horse having received four Heats Horseman like given him, with four Scourings, there is no doubt but his Body will be drawn inwardly pretty clean, you shall therefore during the next or third Fortnight, order him according to the Directions following;

11ly. The third Fortnights Feeding.

The third Fortnight, you shall make his Bread finer than it was formerly; As thus,

The Second Bread.

TAke of elean 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and fine Wheat, an equal proportion of each, according to the Quantity of Bead you intend to bake, and grind them well together, then Bolt and Knead it with Barm or Lightning, and make it up as you did the former Bread,

with this Bread being a little stale and the Crust taken away, feed your horse as before shewed for the second Fortnight, puting it amongst his Beans and Oats, and also observe to Dress, Air, heat, Feed, and prepare him before the heat, as in the former Fortnight, only with these few differences.

First, You shall not give the heat which falleth upon the day of the Week the Match is to be run in, so smartly and violently as before, but with a little more ease and plea∣sure to the Horse, that so his Body and Limbs may not be overstrained, and made fore before the Match, next you shall not after his heats, give him any more of the former Scourings, but instead thereof, instantly upon the end of his heat, after he is a little cooled and cloathed up, and in the same place where you rub him, give him a Ball as bigg as a Hens Egg of these Cordial Balls, the Composition whereof is as followeth,

12ly. The true Receipt of Mr. Markhams famous Cordial Balls, so much esteem∣ed by the Generality of our English Farriers.

TAke Anniseeds, Cuminseeds, Fennegreek seeds, Carthamus seeds, Elecampain Roots, and Colts foot, of each two Ounces, beaten and scarched very fine, as also two Ounces of the flou∣er of Brimstone, then take an Ounce of the juice of Liquorish, and dissolve it one the fire in half an English Pint, or half a Scots Mutchkin of White Wine, which done, take of the Chymical Oyl of Anniseeds one Ounce, of Sallet Oyl, Honey, and Syrup of Sugar, or for want of it Molosses, of each half an English Pint, or half a Scots Mutchkin, then mix all these with the former Powders, and with as much fine Wheat Flower as will bind and knit them together, work them into a stiff Past, which keep in a Gally Pot closs covered, and make Balls thereof as big as a Hens Egg, to give your horse as you shall find occasion for them.

Now for the use of these Balls, because they are Cordial and have many excellent Vertues, you must understand how and upon what occasions to use them; if then it he to prevent sickness, take a Ball and anointing it all over with fresh Butter, give it your Horse in the Morning fasting, in manner of a Pill, then Ride him a little after it, or let him stand upon his Bridle for an hour, which of them you please, Feeding and Wate∣ring him according to your usual Custom, and do this three or four Mornings together.

Again if you use them to cure either a Couch, or violent Cold, or to satten a Horse, then give them after the same manner for a week together, or longer if you find it needful; but if you use them in the nature of a scouring, as in the case I have above told you for your running Horse, then give them instantly after his Heat.

Lastly, if you find that your Horse hath at any time taken a little cold or Rhume, which you may easily know by his inward ratling, then taking one of these Balls, disolve it in an English Pint or Scots Mutchkin of Seck, and so give it him warm, which you will find a very good and effectual remedie; also to disolve a Ball in warm Water, and give it your Horse to drink, worketh the same effect and fatteneth exceedingly, to give a Horse one of these Balls in the morning before travel, will prevent his too soon weatieing, to give it in the Heat of Travel will refresh his Spirits, and to give it after travel, will help to recover weariness, and prevent inward sickness, they are also good upon many o∣ther occasions, which would be too tedious here to rehearse, therefore let what I have said suffice, both as a true ••••scription of their composition, and also vertues and use.

13ly, The Fourth and last Fortnights Feeding.

For the Fourth and last Fortnight, you shall make your Bread much finer then for either of the former; As thus,

The last and finest Bread.

TAke three parts of fine Wheat, and one part of Beans, according to the Quantity of Bread you intend to bake, grind and Bolt them thorow the finest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you ••an get, then knead it up with new strong Alt and Barm beaten to••••ther, and the Whites of twenty or thirty Eggs, or more, according to the quantity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Flower you bake, and be sure to put no Water at all, but in place thereof some small q••••ntity of new milk then work it up, Bake and order it as the former, and with this b••o••d having the crust cut first away, and clean Oats well dryed and dressed, as also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pure Split Beans, all mixed together, or severally as you shall think fit, Feed you ••orse at his ordinary

Meals, as you did in the second and third Fortnights to which I refer you; only in this last Fortnight, you shall observe these few directions following.

First, You shall keep your heating dayes the first Week of this Fortnight, but the second or last Week, you shall forbear one heat, and not give your Horse any five dayes before his Match, but for it give him only strong and long Airings, and watering Courses.

You shall not need this Fortnight to give him any Scouring at all, and if morning and Evening during this Fortnight, you burn the best Frankincence in the Stable, you will find it very wholsome for your Horse, and he will also mightily delight in it.

In this Fortnight, when you give him any washt meat, let it be washt either in the Whites of Eggs, or a little Muskadine or Cherrie, for it is most wholsome, and prevents pursiveness.

This Fortnight give him no Hay, but what he taketh out of your hand after his heats, and also let that be but in little quantity, and clean Dusted.

The last week of this Fortnight, if the Horse be a foul feeder, you must use the Muzzle continually, but if a clean feeder, then three dayes before the match is sufficient.

The Morning of that day before the day for the Match, feed well both before and af∣ter Watering and Airing, and water as at other times, but before noon and afternoon diminish his Portion of meat a little, as also before and after evening Airing feed as at noon, and water as at other times, but be sure to come earlier home then ordinary that evening from Airing: For,

This Evening you are to Trim and Shoe your Horse, and do all extraordinary things of Ornament about him, providing alwayes you take care neither to hinder his feeding nor interrupt his rest, for I have heard some Horsemen say, that when they had shod their Horses with light shoes or plates, the night before the course, their Horses have taken such notice thereof, that they would neither eat what they gave them, nor ly down to take any rest all the night following; But to have so much understanding and cunning, a Horse must be old and long experienced in this exercise, otherwayes he cannot make such subtile observations: However to pass over other curiosities, as Pletting the Main and Tail, &c. I do advise you, that things which are of most necessity and use be alwise done this day, which is the day before the match, rather then upon the morning of the Course, because your Horse that morning, should be troubled as little by handling or otherwise, as possible.

Late at night feed as you did in the evening, and give him of what he liketh best, ac∣cording to his Stomack, only as little bread and Beans as possible, then puting on his muzzle, and tossing up his Litter, leave him quiet till next morning.

The next morning (being that of the match day) come to him very early, and take¦ing off his Muzzle, rub his head well, right his Cloaths, and then give him a pretty quantity of Oats, washed as I said in the whites of Eggs, Muskadine or Cherrie, or if he re∣fuse them washt, give him them dry, or mixt with a little Wheat, after he hath eaten them, if he be a slow emptier, walk him abroad, and in the places where he used to emp∣ty, there intice him to it, which when he hath done, bring him home, and puting on his Muzzle, let him rest untill you have warning to make ready, but if he be a free emptier, let him ly quiet.

When you have warning to make ready, take off his muzzle and put on his Snaffle, be∣ing well washed in a little Muskadine or Cherrie, but before you Bridle him (if you think him too empty,) give him three or four mouthfuls of the washt meat last spoke of, then Bridle him up and dress him, afterwards Pitching the running Saddle and Girths with Shoemakers wax, set it on and girt it Gently, so that he may but only feel the Girths, but have no straitness, then lay a clean sheet over the Saddle, over it his ordinary Cloaths, then his Body Cloath and Breast Cloath, and wisp him round with soft wisps: Finally if you have a Cloath of State let it be neatly fastned above all, and being ready to draw out, give him half an English Pint or half a S••••ts Mutchkin of Muskadine or Cherrie, and so lead him away.

In all your leading observe to use gentle and calm motions, suffering him to smell u∣pon any dung, and in special places of advantage, as where you find Rushes, long Grass, Heath, or the like, walk in and entice him to piss, but if you find no such help, then in some certain places where you lead him, and especially near to the place where you are to mount, and having accustomed him to it before, break some of the straw where∣with he is wisped, under him, and thus intice him if you can to stale or piss, also in leading, if any white or thick Fome or Froth arise about his mouth, with a clean napekin wipe it away, and causing carrie a bottle of clean water about with you, wash his mouth with it now and then.

When you are come to the place where you are to take his back, before you uncloath rub and chaff his Leggs well, then pick his feet, uncloath, wash his mouth with water, get upon his back, and adjusting your Stirrops and other things about your Body, walk him softly to the starting post, and there starting fair, perform you your part by running him to the greatest advantage he is capable of, and leave the rest to providence, for al∣though we are oblidged to use the means and helps of second causes, yet it is that which decideth and determineth all, even the most trivial actions any of us poor Mortals are concerned in.

14ly. Some other usefull Observations to be taken notice of by a keeper, in sundry Accidents which befall a Race Horse, during the time he is preparing for a Match.

THere is no unreasonable creature of pleasure, subject to so many disasterous chances of Fortune as the Horse, and especially the running Horse, both by reason of the multiplicity of diseases, belonging I may say peculiarly to him, as also the vio∣lence of his exercise, and nice tenderness of keeping, therefore it is fit that every keep∣er should be Armed with such observations, as may be a means for him both to prevent mischiefs and Accidents, and also remide them when they do happen; Therefore the first Observation I shall begin with, shall be,

1. Observations from Meat and Drink.

LET the Feeder or Keeper therefore observe, if there be any Meat, Drink, or other nouris••∣ment which he knows to be good for him, and yet the Horse refuse it, that in this case he is not to force it violently upon him, but by gentle means and cunning en∣ticements to win him thereto, tempting him when he is most hungry, or most thirsty, and if he take but a bit at a time he will soon come to take a greater quantity, and rather give him less as he desiteth then more; also that he may be brought the sooner to take it, mix the meat he loveth worst with that he liketh best, till both be made alike familiar, and so shall your Horse be a stranger to nothing that is good and wholsome.

2. Observations from the State and Condition of his body, Both laward and Outward.

OUR Keeper must observe, that the strongest state of body (which is generally ac∣counted to be that which is highest and fullest of flesh, so it be good, hard, and without inward foulness) is alwayes the best and ablest for the performance of great Matches; Yet herein he must also consider two things, the first the shape of the horses body, the second his inclinations and manner of feeding.

For the shape of the horses body, there are some who are of a round, plump, and closs knit shape, so that they will appear fat and well shaped, when they are lean and in pover∣ty, others again are raw boned, slender and looss knit, and will appear lean and defor∣med, when they are fat, foul, and full of gross humours.

So likewise for their inclinations, some horses in feeding will grow plump and lusty outwardly, and carrie (as we say) a thick Rib, when they are inwardly lean as may be, and others will appear outwardly lean to the eye, when they are inwardly full of grease; Now in this case our Feeder hath two helps, the first outward, and the second inward, where∣by he may be alwayes kept from being deceived with such false appearances.

The outward help is the outward handling and feeling the horses body generally over all his Ribs, but particularly upon his short or hindermost ribs, and if his flesh feel generally soft and loose, and the fingers sink into it as into down, then is he without all question foul; but if he be universally hard and firm, and only upon the bindermost rib is softness, then he hath grease and foul matter within him which he must be made ridd of, how lean and poor so ever he seem in outward appearance.

As for the Inward help, it is only sharp Exercise, and good and Beneficial Seourings, for the first you are sure will dissolve the foulness, and the later will not fail to bring it away.

3. Observations from Sweat.

OUR Keeper should take a special notice in all his Airings, Heatings, and other Ex∣ercises whatsoever, of the Horses Sweat and causes of it, for if he Sweat upon little or no Occasion, as walking a Foot pace, standing still in the Stable, and the like; It is then Apparent that the Horse is faint, foul fed, and wanteth Exercise, but if upon good Oc∣casion, as strong Heats, great Labour and the like, he Sweat, yet his Sweat is white and frothie and like Sope suds, then is he yet inwardly foul, and also wanteth Exercise, but if his Sweat be black, and as it were only water thrown upon him without any frothieness, then is he clean fed, in good Lust and good Case, so that you may adventure Riding with∣out danger.

4. Observations from the Hair.

OUR Keeper shall also observe his Coat or Hair in general, but especially his Neck and such parts as are uncovered, and if the Hair ly slick, smooth and closs, and also keep the Beauty of its natural Colour, then is he in good case, but if it be rough and staring, or discoloured, then is he inwardly cold at the Heart, and wanteth both Cloaths and warm keeping.

5. Observations from the Privy Parts.

OUR Keeper must observe his Horses Stones, for if they hang down side or low from his Body, then is he out of Lust and Heart, and is either sick of Grease or other foul∣ness, but if they ly closs couched up, and are contained in a small room, then he is Healthful, and in good plight and Vigour.

6. Observations from the Limbs.

OUR Keeper must observe to Rub and Bath frequently his Horses Leggs, especially the night before he runneth either his Heat or Match, and that from the Knees and Gambrels downwards, with either clarified Doggs Grease, Marrow Head and Feet, good Brandy or Spirit of Wine, any of which are very good, and let him work them well in with his hands, and not with fire, for what he gets not in of the Oyntments at first rubbing, will be got in next Morning, and what is not got in the next morning will be got in when he com∣eth to uncloath near the Starting post, and before he beginneth his Heat, so that he needs not to use the Oyntment but once before each beat, but the Rubbing as often as he shall find Opportunity.

7. Observations from the Ground to Run in.

OUR Keeper shall observe, that if the Ground whereon he is to run his Match be dan∣gerous and apt for mischievous Accidents, as Strains, Over reaches, Sinew bruises and the like, that then he is not bound to give all his Heats upon it, but having made his Horse only acquaint with the nature thereof, shall take a part of the Course as a mile or two or more according to the goodness of the Ground, and so run him out and in, which we call turn∣ing Heats, taking alwayes care that he end and finish his Heat at the weighing or starting post. And also that he make not his Course less or shorter, but rather longer then that he is to run upon his Match day, but if for some special Reasons he take no part of the Course, as because his Horse is subject to Lameness, or tender footed and apt to Surbate, then he may many times, but not alwayes, give his Heat upon any other good Ground, where the Horse may lay down his Feet, streatch his Body, and run at pleasure.

8. Observations for Watering.

OUR Keeper shall also observe, that albeit I have given no Directions for Watering after Heats, yet he may in any of the last fortnights, (finding his Horse clean and his Grease quite consumed) give him water somewhat late at night, being made luke∣warm, and letting him fast-an hour after it; also if at any time else thorrow the unseason∣ableness of the weather, you cannot water abroad, then you shall at your ordinary Water∣ing hours water in the House with warm water as aforesaid, throwing a handful of Wheat Bran or Oat Meal, but Oat Meal is the best, into the water, which you will find to be very goo dand wholesome for your Horse.

Many other Observations there are, but these are the chief and most material, and

I hope sufficient for any ordinary Understanding; And thus much of the True and Modern Method of preparing a Running Horse, which I hope you shall find hold good when tryed: Let us in the next place consider the other Method set down by Mr. Solizel, which is a little more Ancient, And is as followeth,